How to Neutralize Dog Urine Smell

Melissa LewisUpdated February 21, 2017

Dog urine has a pungent smell that can linger in your home long after cleaning it up. Even if you don't notice the odour any more, your guests may be able to. Unfortunately, just cleaning up the urine and stain will not always eliminate the odour. You must break down and absorb the protein found in urine to neutralise the smell. It's a good idea to test any cleaners and odour eliminators you use in an unseen area first to make sure you don't damage your fabric or surface in the process.

Soak up as much urine as possible with a layer of paper towels and newspapers on top. Discard the paper towels and newspapers outdoors in the trash. You can also put them in the area where your dog is supposed to urinate as a reminder to your pet where to urinate. Weigh them down with a heavy object, if necessary.

Soak up the urine from underneath the object, if applicable. Lay newspaper and paper towels under an object, such as a rug, if the urine soaked through and push down with your hands or feet.

Flush the item with water, if possible, to remove the rest of the urine and to remove any cleaners you may have previously used in the area. Slowly pour water and use a "wet-vac" or another water extraction machine to soak it up. Don't use a steam cleaner because hot water can set in the smell and stain.

Spray a pet odour neutraliser (enzymatic cleaner) on the area to completely soak it to neutralise the smell. Let it sit for the specified amount of time on the label to dry, usually a couple of days. Smell the area again. If it still smells, repeat.

Wash washable items, such as clothes and cushion covers, in your washer as normal, but add 0.454kg. of baking soda per load. If the urine has not been neutralised and still lingers, wash again, but this time add some enzymatic cleaner (available at pet stores) using the recommended amount indicated on the label.

Neutralise hard surfaces, such as tiles, washable wallpapers and baseboards, with an enzymatic cleaner that is designed for the surface you are cleaning. Soak a rag or sponge with the cleaner and wipe down the area and allow it to air dry. Repeat as necessary.

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About the Author

Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.